December 20, (THEWILL) – Joan Laporta has cast doubt on recent speculation that Lionel Messi could return to the Camp Nou on a short-term loan deal. Addressing the media, the Barcelona President admitted he was unsure if such a move would comply with FIFA regulations.
The legendary forward left Barcelona in 2021 due to the club’s financial issues. After a difficult spell at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi moved to MLS side Inter Miami this summer. This sparked talk of a potential Messi comeback on a single-match loan to give him an appropriate Barcelona farewell.
However, Laporta questioned if this was possible under FIFA rules. “I don’t think that’s even allowed by FIFA,” he told reporters. Despite this, Laporta reiterated his openness to organising a tribute match for Messi in the future out of respect for Barcelona’s “best player in history.”
No firm plans are yet in place for when this could occur. Laporta speculatively suggested it could happen when Barcelona’s redeveloped Spotify Camp Nou stadium opens in 2026. For now, any imminent Camp Nou return for Messi seems unlikely.
The Argentine icon is poised to face another former club, Newell’s Old Boys, during Inter Miami’s February friendly fixture. This gives Barcelona extra time to resolve if and how Messi could be granted one last appearance and a fitting goodbye at the place he called home for so many trophy-laden years.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
